向こう

• Reading: むこう
• Romaji: mukou
• Kanji breakdown: 向 (mu/kou) — direction, to face toward
• Pronunciation: /mɯ.koː/

Meaning

The opposite side; the other side; over there. Refers to a place beyond or across from the speaker.

A noun indicating something on the far side or opposite side from the speaker. Commonly used when referring to the other side of a road, river, building, or any boundary. Also used figuratively to mean a distant or foreign place.

Examples

1. 橋の向こうに公園があります。 There's a park on the other side of the bridge.
2. 道の向こうにスーパーが見えます。 I can see a supermarket across the street.
3. 向こうから友達が歩いてきました。 A friend came walking over from the other side.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, navigation, spatial reference

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 向く (muku, to face/turn toward). The kanji 向 represents facing a direction, and こう adds the sense of that distant direction or destination.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal